Racing out of the 6 post, California Chrome maintained a close lead for most of the race, until pulling away significantly during the final stretch. The colt's fifth consecutive win made 77-year-old trainer Art Sherman the oldest trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

The Triple Crown continues with the Preakness on May 17 and concludes with the Belmont Stakes on June 7. No horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. A chestnut colt, California Chrome is the first horse from the Golden State to win the Kentucky Derby since 1962. The horse won in front of an announced crowd of 164,906 fans, the second largest turnout in the history of the event.

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